Karen Myers | President and CEO

As Blueprint’s founder and leader, Karen manages a diverse and experienced group of researchers to develop innovative solutions that enable evidence-informed design and delivery.

Over the past twenty years Karen has built a solid reputation for her ability to lead large-scale, complex projects in a range of policy domains including employment and training, poverty reduction, income security, and housing affordability. She has extensive experience as a researcher, policy analyst, performance consultant and program evaluator that spans the public, private, and non-profit sectors. Prior to founding Blueprint, Karen was a research director at SRDC and a senior policy advisor with the Ontario Government. She began her career with Benchmark Performance, a consulting firm focused on helping people and organizations deliver results. Karen holds a PhD in Sociology from the University of Toronto and a Master of Public Administration from Queen’s University.

Max Palamar | Director of Analytics and Evaluation

Max is a co-founder of Blueprint, and leverages his expertise in performance measurement and data science to lead Blueprint’s work in advanced data analytics and evaluation.

Max has extensive experience managing large-scale research projects and developing data-driven tools to help policymakers navigate complex challenges. His work focuses on designing measurement strategies tailored to the specific needs of our partners, as well as planning and overseeing the analysis of administrative and survey data to identify actionable insights. Max’s subject matter expertise covers a wide range of policy areas, including employment and training, income security and housing policy. Before co-founding Blueprint, Max was a senior research associate at SRDC. He holds a Master of Arts in Economics from the University of Toronto.

Mark Abraham | Director of Operations & Administration

Mark is responsible for a broad portfolio of operational and administrative services at Blueprint including finance, project management, human resources, and IT.

A senior organizational leader, Mark has successfully guided both for-profit and not-for-profit businesses through phases of growth, change, and maturity. He brings a deep level of business and financial acumen to Blueprint, with over 15 years of management, consulting, and board-level experience across a range of sectors including healthcare, education, media production, and technology.

Mark holds a Bachelor of Mathematics from the University of Waterloo and a Master of Business Administration with a specialization in strategic management from York University’s Schulich School of Business. Mark is also a Certified Corporate Financial Planning and Analysis Professional and an active member of the Association of Finance Professionals.

Natalie Conte | Director of Community Impact

Natalie is an expert in community engagement, performance measurement and evaluation, and leads Blueprint’s evaluation work in the non-governmental sector.

Natalie is experienced at collaborating with community stakeholders to co-design outcomes frameworks and data collection strategies that are both evidence-informed and operationally feasible in real-world settings. She also oversees data collection and analysis, and develops approaches for timely sharing of results to support innovation and continuous improvement. Natalie has extensive experience coordinating projects of various sizes and complexity. She has over seven years of experience in policy research, analysis and evaluation in a wide range of policy domains including employment, post-secondary education and training, youth success, community health, and food security. Before joining Blueprint, Natalie was a senior research associate at SRDC. Natalie holds a Master in Public Policy from the University of Toronto.

Mark McKerrow | Senior Researcher

Mark is an experienced data analyst who works with complex administrative and survey datasets to generate actionable insights.

Mark has contributed to numerous design and evaluation projects. He has expertise in the estimation of causal impacts with experimental and non-experimental data using a wide range of analytic strategies. In addition, Mark has extensive experience developing measurement strategies, monitoring and evaluation frameworks, and survey protocols. Before joining Blueprint, Mark was a senior research associate at SRDC and an instructor in McMaster University’s Department of Sociology. He holds a PhD in Sociology from Cornell University.

Caitlin Myles | Senior Researcher

Caitlin has expertise in project management and stakeholder engagement, which she uses to design and execute complex research and evaluation projects.

Caitlin is a highly effective project manager and is experienced at designing and facilitating stakeholder engagement initiatives. She is also skilled in both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Caitlin has experience designing monitoring and evaluation strategies for large, complex projects. She also has expertise on emerging issues at the intersection of technology and public policy, such as privacy and data protection and digital rights. Before joining Blueprint, Caitlin was Director of Research at MASS LBP, where she worked in such policy domains as health, city planning, transportation, and arts and culture. She has also worked in international development, both in Canada and overseas. Caitlin holds a Master of Science in Social Science of the Internet from the University of Oxford and a Master of Arts in Economics from the University of Western Ontario.

Kelly Pasolli | Senior Researcher

Kelly’s diverse skill set includes policy analysis, program design, jurisdictional scans and evidence reviews, and the design of performance management, monitoring and evaluation frameworks. She has experience working with a wide range of government and community organizations to implement strategies for generating evidence about the performance of programs and initiatives, and to develop responsive, evidence-informed policy solutions. Kelly has worked in a wide range of policy areas including housing and homelessness, employment and training, income security, developmental services, and early childhood education and care. Prior to joining Blueprint, Kelly was a researcher at SRDC. She holds a Master of Science in Political Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Molly Doan | Research Associate

Molly uses her expertise in stakeholder engagement, research operations, and performance measurement to design and implement solutions that align with client need.

Molly has expertise in project coordination and research operations, and has experience designing and executing engagement strategies with a wide range of community stakeholders. She is also experienced in the design of performance measurement, monitoring, and evaluation frameworks. Molly is focused on collaborating with community and government partners to implement and test policy and program solutions for vulnerable populations, including youth, persons with disabilities, and jobseekers with complex needs. Prior to joining Blueprint, Molly worked as a researcher at SRDC and a sales associate at Thomson Reuters. She holds a Master of Arts in Economics from the University of British Columbia.

Thomas McManus | Research Associate

Thomas uses his diverse skill set in advanced data analytics, policy analysis, and system design to develop and communicate answers to pressing policy questions.

Thomas uses his expertise in data aggregation, system design, analysis of geospatial data, and data visualization to develop and communicate insights to stakeholders. He is also experienced in conducting evidence reviews and jurisdictional scans and designing monitoring and evaluation frameworks and data collection tools. Thomas’s work spans a range of policy domains including housing affordability, income assistance, and employment and training services. Before joining Blueprint, Thomas was a researcher at SRDC. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Food and Agricultural Business from the University of Guelph.

Colin Harvey-Lewis | Research Associate

Colin is an experienced researcher who leverages his expertise to design and execute policy-relevant research projects that inform the development of solutions to complex problems.

Colin has expertise in stakeholder engagement, questionnaire design, and data analysis. He utilizes his research skills to design monitoring and evaluation frameworks that balance rigour with real-world relevance and feasibility. Colin has experience managing large and complex evaluation projects for a wide range of clients. Prior to joining Blueprint, Colin was a Senior Research Analyst at Hotspex Inc. and a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Centre for Addictions and Mental Health. He holds a PhD in Neuroscience from McGill University.

Simon Harding | Research Associate

Simon is an expert in research design, measurement and data analytics and is committed to identifying and measuring the impact of innovative solutions to pressing public policy challenges.

Over the last decade, Simon’s research and analysis has contributed to the development of evidence-informed solutions across a number of policy domains, including labour markets, transportation, migration, equitable growth and economic development. He has experience working with a range of organizations to identify and implement evidence-informed solutions that increase the impact of their work. Simon holds a PhD in Resource Management and Environmental Studies from the University of British Columbia.

José David Sierra Castillo | Research Associate

José is an experienced analyst who specializes in using experiments and statistical methods to assess the impact of social interventions. His experience includes designing monitoring and evaluation frameworks to measure the outcomes of programs and services, advising on the implementation of development projects, and designing development and research plans. Before joining Blueprint José led the Open Aid team at Innovations for Peace and Development, and worked for the Inter-American Development Bank as a researcher. He has subject matter expertise in youth unemployment, productivity, undocumented migration, foreign investment flows, and social issues. José holds a Master of Arts in Economics from Duke University and a Master of Arts in Political Science from the University of Texas at Austin.

Kelly O'Connor | Research Associate

Kelly enjoys the challenge of building better bridges between evidence and policy, and is well-versed in the complexities of policy design and evaluation across a range of contexts.

Kelly has a deep skill set that spans quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, policy analysis, and stakeholder engagement. She has experience working with a range of actors, including members of marginalized communities, nonprofits, and intergovernmental organizations. She has worked on issues ranging from the gig economy to political participation and refugees. Before joining Blueprint, Kelly worked in the humanitarian sector in Geneva. Kelly holds Master of Science in Refugee and Forced Migration Studies and a Master of Public Policy from the University of Oxford. She also holds a Master of Science in Political Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Oleg Gladkov | Research Assistant

Oleg assists with participant engagement and data collection in our evaluation activities to ensure our operations are effective and efficient.

Oleg uses his skills in field research operations, stakeholder engagement, data tool implementation, and data management to provide support to our service delivery and community partners. He works on a range of evaluation projects in the areas of youth success, employment services, and skills development.

Sarah Brooks | Project Administrator

Sarah is a dynamic project professional with exceptional analytical, organizational and problem-solving skills.

Sarah is experienced in managing workflow, implementing business systems and leading continuous improvement initiatives. Her expert ability to assess project objectives, balance multiple priorities and build strong relationships ensures the successful forward momentum of projects. Prior to joining Blueprint, Sarah worked in the financial services industry where she focused on business workflow analysis and process improvement. Sarah holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Health Studies from Queen’s University and a Certificate in Project Management from the University of Toronto.

Rusty Patriquin | Office Manager

Rusty is an experienced administrator who is focused on supporting Blueprint’s organizational effectiveness and efficiency by ensuring operational excellence.

Rusty has over five years of experience working as an administrator in both the public and private sectors. Before coming to Blueprint, Rusty worked at McCann Canada, where he developed his knowledge of administration, financial management, and resource allocation. He has a strong track record in providing professional services organizations with logistical and business planning support. Rusty holds a Bachelor’s of Creative Writing from Concordia University.

Our Principles

Collaborative: We work closely with our clients to understand their needs and co-design solutions that are relevant and meaningful.

Rigorous and credible: We maintain the highest standards of methodological rigor and objectivity to ensure our work is credible to a wide range of stakeholders.

Strategic: We help our clients meet their goals now and in the future.

People-centered: We place the needs and priorities of those who will be impacted by policies and programs at the center of our work.

Flexible and responsive: We work in a wide range of contexts and are adaptive to changing environments.

Our Clients

We are privileged to work with a broad range of government and public agencies, foundations, and non-profit organizations and are committed to the ongoing development of strong, collaborative relationships within the social policy community across Canada.

Employment and Social Development Canada

Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities

Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade

Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services

City of Toronto

Manitoba Education and Training

Nova Scotia Department of Community Services

Nova Scotia Department of Labour and Advanced Education

Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness

Nova Scotia Department of Education and Early Childhood Development

United Way Greater Toronto

Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council

Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario

Toronto District School Board

Douglas College

Metcalf Foundation

Atkinson Foundation

Maytree

Metrolinx

OTEC

Elizabeth Fry Toronto

Wellesley Institute

Institute for Work and Health

Habitat for Humanity

Social Capital Partners

Blueprint is a non-profit, mission-driven, research organization dedicated to improving the social and economic well-being of Canadians by helping our clients solve complex public policy challenges.